Elastic Ring Linkage With Kinematic Subassemblies for Vibration Damping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elastic connection devices fail to effectively absorb and limit the propagation of vibrations with large amplitudes, particularly when springs are unprotected.

Innovation Solution

An elastic connecting device comprising first and second rings connected by kinematic subassemblies with radial elements, ball-joint and slide or sliding pivot connections, and return elements to maintain equilibrium, allowing large axial and radial movements while absorbing vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an elastomer ring is used to connect two parts, then vibrations of low amplitudes are limited, but vibrations of large amplitudes cannot be effectively absorbed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration propagationVSAvoidamplitude range
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is segmented into multiple independent kinematic subassemblies (at least two), each capable of independently absorbing vibrations. This segmentation allows the system to handle both low and large amplitude vibrations through the combined action of multiple subassemblies, resolving the limitation of single-element elastomer rings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The kinematic subassemblies incorporate movable elements (radial elements with ball-joint connections and slide connections) that dynamically adapt to vibration amplitudes. These elements can move and deform elastically, providing effective vibration absorption across a wide range of amplitudes, from low to large, thereby improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If springs are exposed in the elastic connecting device, then large amplitude vibrations can be absorbed, but the springs are unprotected and vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration absorptionVSAvoidspring protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The return elements (springs) are nested within protective housings that are integrated into the kinematic subassemblies. This nesting arrangement protects the springs from external damage while allowing them to function effectively in absorbing large amplitude vibrations, thus improving reliability without sacrificing vibration absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing acts as an intermediary protective structure between the external environment and the return elements. This intermediary element shields the springs from potential damage while transmitting the necessary mechanical forces, ensuring both protection and functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple kinematic subassemblies are used to absorb large amplitude vibrations, then vibration absorption improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelarge amplitude vibration absorptionVSAvoidnumber of kinematic subassemblies
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each kinematic subassembly is designed as a universal module that performs multiple functions: it provides elastic connection, absorbs vibrations, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity despite using multiple subassemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The kinematic subassemblies are designed with homogeneous structures and configurations, allowing for standardized manufacturing and assembly. This homogeneity simplifies the overall device complexity by using identical or similar modules repeatedly, rather than requiring unique custom-designed components for each subassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Effectively absorbs and limits the propagation of vibrations with large amplitudes, maintaining the connected parts in equilibrium and protecting the return elements.

Implementation Method 1

each kinematic subassembly comprises a return element configured to maintain the first and second rings in the first state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the elastic connecting device absorbs the deformations and limits the propagation of vibrations to the other part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3862595B1Elastic linking device between two concentric parts and assembly comprising such an elastic linking device
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
  • EP3862595B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3862595B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an elastic linkage device (18) configured to connect first and second parts, characterized in that it comprises: - first and second rings (20, 22) configured to occupy a first state in which the second ring (22) occupies given radial and axial positions relative to the first ring (20) and a second state in which the second ring (22) is offset from the given radial position and/or the given axial position relative to the first ring (20), - kinematic subassemblies (30) connecting the first and second rings so as to allow them to move relative to each other in at least one axial direction and/or at least one radial direction and comprising a return element (58) configured to maintain the first and second rings (20, 22) in the first state and positioned in a housing.